If the worst should hapen, and you have a sick
or injured tortoise or turtle to deal with, DO
NOT DELAY. Try to get to a qualified
veterinary surgeon AS FAST
AS YOU POSSIBLY CAN. Do not email
Internet newsgroups for advice if the animal needs help urgently
- get on the telephone to a vet! By all means search the Internet
(and this website) for useful first aid advice, but remember, ONLY
a qualified veterinatian can diagnose the problem and ONLY
a qualified veterinarian can prescribe essential drugs such as antibiotics.
Delay can be fatal.

If possible, try to see a veterinarian who
has experience of tortoises and turtles, or at least an interest
in reptiles - but in emergencies, get to ANY
vet who is available.

Not all veterinarians know much about the
details of keeping tortoises and turtles properly - but MOST should
be able to deal with trauma injuries or infections, and they SHOULD
be willing to seek advice from others if they need to. Beware of
vets who contradict other specialists. Do not be afraid to ask questions
and check elsewhere. Some vets are genuinely expert on many aspects
of tortoise and turtle care - if you find one, count yourself very
fortunate and co-operate with them as closely as posssible!

The following website pages contain extensive
directories of veterinary surgeons who have an interest in, or experience
in treating, sick reptiles of all kinds.